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Brexit explained: what you need to know about the customs union

Lorry drivers in Dover return to their vehicles before boarding a ferry to CalaisJACK TAYLOR/GETTY IMAGES

The Times, May 28 2018, 6:00pm

Why do I need to know about the customs union?Even though the UK is leaving the European Union, what kind of relationship we end up having with its 27 member states after Brexit — and its impact on our economy — was never a question considered in detail during the referendum.

Potentially the UK could leave the EU but remain within either or both a customs union and single market — or it could leave all three. Each choice has economic (and political) advantages and disadvantages depending on your perspective.

So what is the EU customs union?At its most basic the customs union is an agreement between EU member states to allow goods, and to a lesser extent services, to be traded freely across…

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